Tributes flow for Australian golf legend Peter Thomson

After battling Parkinson’s Disease for the later period of his life, Peter Thomson passed away at his home in Melbourne, this morning, and not surprisingly the tributes are flowing for one of Australia’s greatest-ever sportspeople.

The memories, stories and accolades having been coming from some of the best in golf and also from some of the best in golf media of which Thomson was an integral part when he finished playing golf.

Here are some of them.

Firstly, if you haven’t watched the video above from the PGA of Australia, do so now.

“But making golf a science and insisting that people study it, they get the feeling ‘this is difficult’. Whereas really, they should consider it easy because it is. It’s just whacking a ball, for goodness sakes.”

“After the 1977 Australian Open on the newly redesigned Jack Nicklaus he headlined a column in The Age with ‘Packer money wasted’ and likened the new ponds as being as American ‘as fins on Cadillac’s’. It didn’t endear him to the media mogul who had financed the alterations but he was absolutely right.”

Blake’s tweet from a snap from Thomson’s book gives you a good idea of his no-nonsense approach to golf.

Peter Fowler – 83 Aust Open and 89 World Cup winner- once asked Peter Thomson how he could improve his game. “Shoot lower scores,Peter”. He was angry for ages until he finally realised what a great piece of advice it was. What he was saying was: “stop obsessing with your swing”’

And plenty of tributes from golf organisations across the world and some of the world’s best golfers:

I’m am so saddened to hear of the passing of our Aussie legend and true gentleman of the game, Peter Thomson. My heart goes out to his wife Mary and the rest of the Thompson family. So honoured to have been able to call Peter my friend. RIP Peter

Peter Thomson was a truly wonderful golfer & a fine global ambassador for our game. His contribution to golf will not be forgotten. In addition he was the most intellectual & best read player I ever met. My condolences to his family & friends. Rest In Peace Thomo. GP

Woke up to sad news that an icon of our game passed away. Peter Thomson will be sorely missed and my family and I pass on our condolences. Peter gave all Australian golfers something to aspire to both on the golf course and off it. His stamp on our game won’t be forgotten.

Will never forget Thomo telling us in the St Andrews press tent he had backed John Daly to win the 1995 Open at 80/1. “He’ll hit it over all the hazards and has a very nice short game”. Daly was already a train wreck and we just scoffed. Thomo lined up at Ladbrokes on Monday.

So sad to hear news today of the passing of Peter Thomson, five-time @TheOpen champion and winning @PresidentsCup captain. Golf has lost a true legend and one of sport’s real gentlemen. My thoughts & condolences to his family.

Saddened to hear the news of the passing of Australia’s greatest golfing champion Peter Thompson, I was very fortunate that Mr Thompson took an interest in my game and had some great advice over the years. #RIPThommo

Peter Thomson was quiet simply the greatest player I have seen why? The way he approached life and golf were similar as he treated both life and golf with a cunning respect and an enviable intelligence.The sad thing is today and I proved it most of our young up and coming golfers did not know who I was talking about.A sad day for golf but were we not lucky to have seen him play. Ray Smith Galway Ireland the home town of the Christy O Connors. RIP Peter Thomson